Description
Book SynopsisWhat constitutes a sovereign wealth fund is contested. In general, however, it is a state-sponsored institutional investor that is answerable only to the state and makes investments according to the interests and mandate of that state. Different types of funds have emerged in the context of particular economic conjunctures, and over the last decade the number of sovereign wealth funds has grown substantially, with total assets exceeding $7 trillion. This trend is set to continue, as more and more countries look to establish an SWF. The place of SWFs in global financial markets may appear settled, but this does not mean that concerns about "state capital" and its place in financial markets has gone away.
This short book offers an incisive discussion of the development of this class of investor, how they have become legitimate actors in global financial markets, and their role as providers of capital and in economic development at home and abroad.
Trade ReviewDixon, Schena and Capapé have written a concise, thorough and informative volume on sovereign wealth funds. They carefully explore the many issues that these governmental institutions still raise. The combination of historical context and analytical content is highly accessible. A must-read.
-- Edwin M. Truman, Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
This is an outstanding book. It is beautifully written, empirically rich and with an interesting political economy perspective on the role of the state and these intriguing institutional investors that wield so much power.
-- Ruth V. Aguilera, Northeastern University
For anyone looking to educate themselves on sovereign wealth funds, this book is hard to beat. Its concise format belies the breadth of coverage and depth of expertise demonstrated by the authors.
-- Andrew Rozanov, independent SWF expert and originator of the term “sovereign wealth fund”
Table of Contents1. What is a sovereign wealth fund?2. The short history of sovereign wealth funds3. Legitimizing state actors in global markets4. The new giants in global finance: myths and realities5. Tools of strategic development6. The new state capitalist normal?
